Find out what molybdenum is, what are its functions, benefits, the richest foods (main food sources) and the symptoms that its deficiency or deficit causes.
It is quite likely that you do not know him; Even if you don’t know that, in reality, it is a very important essential nutrient for our body, but much less known than other minerals such as calcium or iron.
It is known by the name of molybdenum, and it is characterized by being a trace mineral, which means that it is actually a micromineral, so it is an essential but necessary nutrient in smaller proportions.
Molybdenum functions:
- Helps xanthine oxidase (enzyme responsible for iron metabolism) to work properly.
- It intervenes in a correct sexual function in men.
- Necessary for the production of uric acid, which we find in the blood and urine.
- Participates in enzyme systems related to the metabolism of alcohol, drugs and toxins.
- Participates in the metabolism of uric acid and sulfur.
Molybdenum benefits:
In addition to the functions of molybdenum indicated above, it is a micro mineral that helps detoxify excess copper in the body, helping to eliminate it.
On the other hand, it is also essential for the correct metabolism of iron, and for the correct sexual functioning of men.
Recommended Daily Amounts of Molybdenum.
No recommended daily amounts of molybdenum have been described. However, a safety intake between 50 ug and 400 ug of molybdenum per day has been indicated.
Deficiency symptoms of molybdenum deficiency.
Men who are deficient in molybdenum may experience problems with their sexual functioning.
However, no deficiencies of this micro-mineral have been observed, mainly because our body only needs it in small amounts.
Foods Higher in Molybdenum.
Here are the main sources of molybdenum:
Food | Molybdenum content (100 gr.) |
Beans (canned) | 350 ug |
Wheat germ | 200 ug |
Liver | 200 ug |
Lentils | 120 ug |
Sunflower seeds | 103 ug |
Kidneys | 75 ug |
Green beans | 66 ug |
Pasta | 51 ug |
Eggs | 50 ug |
Rice | 47 ug |
Chicken | 40 ug |
Wholemeal bread | 25 ug |
Potatoes | 25 ug |
Shellfish | 20 ug |
Apricots | 14 ug |
Who May Need Molybdenum Supplements?
- People with high levels of copper in the blood.
- Molybdenum deficiency.